Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, featuring tender ground chicken packed with Parmesan and melted mozzarella cheese hidden inside. Topped with a savory marinara sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for a family dinner that brings warmth and flavor to the table.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 80 g onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 900 g ground chicken
• 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1 cm slices
• 120 ml marinara sauce (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)
• 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Let this cool completely.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Step 4: Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping a rectangle about 20 cm by 10 cm. Arrange the mozzarella cheese string pieces down the center, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape into a loaf, sealing the cheese inside carefully.
5. Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley to make the topping.
7. Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb topping.
8. Step 8: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the topping is golden and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
9. Step 9: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from leaking and to achieve clean slices. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Allow the cooked onions and garlic to cool completely before mixing with the egg to prevent it from cooking prematurely.
• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
• Use standard mozzarella cheese strings, as they melt well without leaking excessive moisture.
• Seal the cheese well inside the meatloaf to prevent it from escaping while baking.
• You can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.

Storage

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through. You can also freeze portions wrapped in foil for up to 4 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or a mixture of ground pork and beef can be used, but cooking times and fat content may vary. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. This ensures the poultry is safe to eat and the cheese inside is melted.

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring ground chicken mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasonings, and mozzarella cheese strings stuffed inside. Topped with marinara sauce, a buttery crunchy panko-Parmesan topping, and melted mozzarella, it’s baked to juicy perfection. Simple to prepare and perfect for a hearty dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 80 g onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 900 g ground chicken
• 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1cm slices

For the Topping:

• 120 ml marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow this mixture to cool completely before using it in the meatloaf.
3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion and garlic mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently and just until everything is combined to avoid a tough texture.
4. Form Meatloaf with Cheese Filling: Pat about two-thirds of the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a rectangle approximately 20 cm by 10 cm. Lay the mozzarella cheese string slices evenly down the center of this layer. Top with the remaining chicken mixture and carefully shape it into a sealed loaf to encase the cheese.
5. Add Marinara Sauce and Bake: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6. Prepare Topping Mixture: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
7. Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: After the initial 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese.
8. Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period ensures clean slices and the cheese stays neatly inside.

Notes

• Ensure the onion and garlic mixture is completely cooled before mixing with the egg to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
• Do not overmix the meat mixture; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf.
• Use standard mozzarella cheese strings for the filling as they melt well without leaking too much.
• Make sure to seal the cheese well inside the meatloaf to prevent it from escaping during cooking.
• Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing for neat slices and to keep the cheese inside.
• Check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure safe consumption.
• You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate it, which is convenient for meal prep.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For reheating, cover the meatloaf with foil and warm it in a 180°C oven until heated through.
• You can freeze portions wrapped in foil for up to 4 months.

Keywords: Parmesan chicken meatloaf, chicken meatloaf, baked meatloaf, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, Italian seasoning meatloaf, family dinner, comfort food